Be the Best “Version” of your Self

Posted January 9, 2016

Filed under Himalayan Tradition, Insights, Musings

Truly, there is no “better” or “worse” version of You, or I–we are the Center of Consciousness. How can there be a flaw?

Be the Best Version of your “Self”

In Yoga Philosophy, a human is viewed as an expression of the Center of Consciousness. As the Center of Consciousness “moves outward” it appears to condense (for lack of a better word) and become the individual. But, the Center of Consciousness remains eternal, undiminished, unchanged.

There are various sheaths (koshas) appearing to veil the Center of Consciousness; they are like layered lampshades covering a light. At the outermost level there is the physical body; the next, more subtle, layer is the energy/breath body; the next, subtler, layer is the mental body; the mind is preceded by the wisdom body; at core is the Self–the point where Center of Consciousness initiates individuation.

Whether or not you subscribe to this philosophy, we can intuit that we are more than we appear to be. What we hold to be as our “True Nature” is a personal belief. However, the busyness of our lives causes us to misidentify with all of the actions we are doing instead of our illusive “True Nature”.

Furthermore, our addiction to moving outward–as opposed to focusing inward–causes many of us to fixate on our failures and challenges. We can become mired in a victim persona, subjecting ourselves to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Meditation is a tool which can shift us to a state of empowerment by: improving our physiological functioning, depersonalizing the thinking process, and relieving us from attachments.

When the human nervous system evolved, it bifurcated into two aspects which work like gears on a manual transmission. The sympathetic nervous system causes humans to jump into action. It triggers the “fight or flight” response via the release stimulating hormones, which includes: dilated pupils, accelerated heart rate, and increased rate of respiration. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system is associated with feelings of safety and wellbeing–reflect on the feeling holding a calm baby. Unfortunately, many people are primarily tapped into the sympathetic nervous system–they are reactive, anxious, and judgemental.

Most systems of meditation are practiced in a relaxing environment and incorporate techniques, such as: body scanning, diaphragmatic breathing, and focusing attention–all of which elicit a parasympathetic response. When this is stimulated, thoughts are inclined to be uplifting and positive. In fact, a recent Harvard study indicates, 8-weeks of mindfulness meditation cause the brain to grow new gray matter. This asserts you can rewire your brain into new thought patterns. Despite the catharsis of improving the quality of our thoughts, it is important to understand that we are not our thoughts.

As previously mentioned, we identify with our accomplishments and roles; however, we also identify with our thoughts. Thoughts, like the material objects of the world are “objects” we have created on the mental plane. Many people have an antagonistic relationship with their thoughts. They tend to believe that they are good when they are having positive and altruistic thoughts. They tend to judge themselves when they are having negative thoughts. All minds are creative–even Buddhist monks have thoughts of murder. However, acting on a thought is a different scenario.

Although there are benefits to positive thinking; it’s important to get distance from your thoughts. This is not an attempt to have cessation of the thinking process; rather, the goal is to become detached from the activity of the mind. In most meditation traditions, practitioners are taught to allow the mind to behave naturally–not to interfere with the thinking process. Over time, one is able to become aware of the transient nature of thoughts. Ultimately, as one becomes dispassionate about thoughts, the mind begins to relax; this is not unlike a pond settling after it is undisturbed for a while. Then one becomes aware of spaces between the thoughts. In meditation we attempt to move into those spaces–not to shut the mind down.

After one develops a regular practice they may observe that thoughts are of two sorts: neutral and colored. Neutral thoughts are benign, they do not elicit an emotional response. Colored (klishta) thoughts are shaded with attachment. Attachment is twofold: attraction and repulsion (aversion). We cling at what we are attracted to and we push against what we are repulsed by. Yet, these are two sides of the same coin–in both cases one is attached. We expend a great deal of energy trying to get more of what we want and an equal amount of energy trying to keep away what we abhor. The rationale of this behavior is happiness; but, true happiness is not determined by what is outside of us.

As a meditation practice develops, one is able to discern which thoughts are colored. A regular meditator is detached from their thoughts, they are able to uncolor them and decrease incessant craving for the the material world and it’s ephemeral pleasures. Many philosophies believe attachment is our greatest downfall; whether is desire for more accomplishments and experiences or the fear of death. Meditation does not make us apathetic; a healthy yearning for that which brings us inside and towards truth is amplified with regular practice.

Meditation is a wellspring; it allows us to set down the many false ideas and identities that burden us on a daily basis. Then, as if we hang these on a clothesline, after meditation we pick these up and they feel lighter. With meditation we begin to perceive ideas of lack are not our true nature; they are fantasies we created along the way. During meditation, we still the body, smooth the breath, quiet the mind, and steep in the silent Center of Consciousness. How can we be undeserving, unworthy or unlovable if our true nature is perennial and connected with the True Nature of everyone?

The New Normal

Posted November 6, 2015

Filed under Himalayan Tradition, Insights, Musings

Spiral Staircase Queens House UK www bamorama com

Ah, it’s nice to return to the blog-o-sphere…

I never pegged myself as one to share extremely personal things via my blog; however, I feel sharing this experience is beneficial on multiple levels. Firstly, I want to explain my hiatus from this commitment. Secondly, I hope that sharing the experience will allow others to catch a glimpse into my reality and, perhaps, see our commonality. Lastly, I believe that appropriate sharing is cathartic.

When I first set out to create this blog, I did so with my life partner, my best friend, my husband. Some of you who have been following will remember our collaborations and his poetry–which are still hosted on this site. Despite us both being committed to our spiritual paths, our relationship path has diverged and we are not continuing in the direction of a married couple. We are still committed to our children and to the being the best co-parents and friends we can be.

Sharing what “happened” isn’t necessary. In fact, according to Swami Rama, “The nature of Reality is a game of hide and seek, which is really the only game there is—now you see it and now you don’t.” Furthermore, the Yoga Sutras explain: “Although the same objects [or situations] may be perceived by different minds, they are perceived in different ways, because those minds manifested differently.”

So in actuality, what “happened” is based on whose perspective you garner. In fact, the word perspective is powerful in and of itself… According to Google, “[in] late Middle English (in the sense ‘optics’): from medieval Latin perspectiva (ars ) ‘science of optics,’ from perspect- ‘looked at closely,’ from the verb perspicere, from per- ‘through’ + specere ‘to look.’” What calls me is not the fact that it means to look, it’s the fact that it denotes looking through.

So what is it that we are looking through?

It is the veiling Power of the Universe, Maya. “Maya means appearance, as if something appears to be one way, but is really another… some view maya as meaning that nothing is real, and turn this into a cold-hearted intellectual practice, others view the illusion of maya as being shakti, the creative force of the universe. In this way, the maya of the koshas is experienced both as unreal and, at the same time, as the beautiful manifestations of the universal oneness” (Swami J).

The reversal of this process is the purpose of meditation in traditional Yoga. As Georg Feuerstein has explained, it is implosion. A receding (for lack of a better word), through all the “layers” until there is an experience of “The Witness?“.

How does this tie in with Chad and I? Well, I believe the philosophy and the practices I have been sharing have helped me to be more at peace with what is happening. Firstly, as I have mentioned, I appreciate perspective in a way that I have never before. I feel more empathetic towards someone who I may have considered to be an adversary in the past. Secondly, they have given me more self-regulation. All of the time watching my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors have helped me to be less reactive. I am certainly not professing mastery; but, I feel less volatile. Additionally, I attribute a general feeling of optimism because I know that what I am is not defined by my life situation–there is a constant which is unaffected and I have access to the peace of this space.

I was recently presented with the metaphor of grief being like a spiral staircase–as opposed to being like a ladder with rung-like stages. We continually move through stages, which circle back around; but, on the next pass we’ve moved higher. This is also a metaphor for sadhana (the spiritual path); we keep moving upwards–even if it seems we’re going around in circles.

Make sure to click the links– there is a plethora of information there.

Om Shanti Namaste

The Intention to Return Back to Life

Posted August 13, 2015

Filed under Insights, Musings

I have been pretty busy the last two weeks; I went to the Ashram for Guru Purnima (which is a little foreshadowing about my next post is the series, “How Do You Qualify Yoga“). Then, as I had been posting for the last few months. Ma Tri came to visit and it was sublime. The following post is the original I submitted to United Intentions. It will probably be edited in their version; but, it’s my first venture into being a guest blogger!

Descartes famously said, “I think therefore I am.” In this statement he is proposing that we are a collection of thoughts which coalesces into the human entity. Well, this is in stark contrast to several spiritual traditions, such as: Buddhism, New Thought, and the Himalayan Tradition (a convergence of three North Indian philosophies). These traditions believe there is one source, one power in the Universe, however, it is called by many names. For simplicity sake, in this article I will refer to it as the Center of Consciousness.

According to the aforementioned, and many other, traditions, at our truest level we are one and the same with the Center of Consciousness. However, we take on a layers of false identities. Consider a newly born baby, they do not know their name, sex, or race. All of these are identities which, over time, are bestowed on them.

The term “false identity” should not be considered a negative one. Without taking on some of these rolls we wouldn’t be able to work, have relationships, or procreate. The challenge is to see beyond what feels so real to us. The way that we set down the identifications, is through practices which take us inside: meditation, contemplation, gratitude, and intentions work to bring us through our roles towards the Center of Consciousness.

In the Himalayan Tradition, the main identities are considered to be bodies, or sheaths, which, like a lampshade veil the truth that at the Center we are indescribable pure potentiality. This tradition also views the mind as an instrument through which the Center of Consciousness experiences the world. When the mind is polished through the aforementioned practices, we see clearly who we are and the world around us. In one Buddhist tradition this is called Vipassana, clear seeing. We can see that negative thought patterns, prejudices, fear and hatred are a result of the clouded and dusty lens.

Meditation is the way we train our mind to not be swayed by its natural fluctuations. Contemplation is the practice of holding higher vibrational thoughts which point us, like a compass, towards the Center. Gratitude practices, like contemplation, remind us to focus on what is working in our lives. The more gratitude we offer the more we realize we are blessed and often have more resources available then we realize. Gratitude increases generosity. Lastly, intentions, which are synonymous with affirmative prayer, are how we point our crystalline laser mind on the whatever goal we want to accomplish.

When we declare an intention and use our adjunctive practices to keep our mind translucent, we are saying to the Universe that this is what we truly want our lives to look like. But, the “Universe” is not some force outside of us. As mentioned, we are one and the same with the Center. If we truly want something to manifest in our lives, intentions just remind us that in the world of apparent duality, we are who we are seeking at the core.

Intention setting is not to be mistaken with manipulation; as stated adjunctive practice provide clarity. If we are “tuned in” our intentions will be set for the greatest good, not for mere selfish gain. Furthermore, since there is only one Center all of ours are one and the same. When we set intentions that are positive, we raise the vibration of the planet as a whole. Setting intentions is a spiritual practice; it is an opportunity to inherit your birthright which is whatever you intend it to be!

The closer we come to Enlightenment the more ordinary we become

Posted July 24, 2015

Filed under Himalayan Tradition, Insights, Musings, Quotes

Part 8 of “How do You Qualify Yoga?”

Toward the One,
the Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty,
the Only Being,
United with all the Illuminated Souls,
Who form the Embodiment of the Master,
the Spirit of Guidance.

I find such comfort in this prayer from the Sufi master, Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. Especially when I contemplate the line, “all the Illuminated Souls who form the embodiment of the Master”. Pause to savor that concept. There is not one Master, there is not one path. When the Buddha was asked, “who are you”? He replied, “I am awake”.

Self-realization is an experience shared by numerous individuals from numerous traditions. One can argue that the Buddha, the Christ, and Rumi were all describing the same level of consciousness with different words. To believe that the omnipotent Ultimate Reality is confined to one tradition belittles it.

One hallmark on enlightened Masters is simplicity. Not merely renunciation; because like a dry drunk, mere physical renunciation without renouncing internally is playing a role. Internal renunciation is the letting go of the attachment to the outcome; yet continuing to strive for ultimate Reality, as described in my previous post.

All illuminated Masters incline towards simplicity. Furthermore, the closer they are the less they are drawn to the fleeting transient world. They taste what is “real” and tasting leads to savoring. What could be more satisfying; to know the Ultimate Reality or to go on with the mundane temporary–even if it is stimulating to the senses. Everything “out here” is subject to change. The only constant is that core, “the perfection of love, harmony, and beauty”.

Feeling Brave

Posted July 21, 2015

Filed under Insights, Musings

Today I was honest; the response I garnered stung. But, I am grateful because I am free. The only moment is now; I’d rather have a life without regret.

Yoga is a Continuum of Theory and Practice

Posted July 19, 2015

Filed under Himalayan Tradition, Insights, Musings

Part 6 of “How do you Qualify Yoga?”; this should have been Part 5. I accidentally skipped a section… Oops

We will, ultimately, put this whole series on its own page in the menu bar. In addition to guest contributors, we’ll be moving older post into pages that can more easily be accessed for future reading.

This is probably my favorite post in this series. It reminds me of a quote I learned almost twenty years ago, when I was a member of Siddha Yoga, “Muktananda, put down the book and meditate”.

We live in an amazing time where information is accessible instantaneously. If you’re like me, attachments are a real issue, a hindrance as the Buddhist described them, even attachment to more “knowledge”. I can easily find myself listening to an audiobook during my commute, taking numerous workshops, and trying out new techniques.

It’s not that this is wrong–it’s simply that it is, according to Ma Tri, “mere knowledge”. Furthermore, the quest for acquisition is insatiable–whether it is material or intellectual.

According to the Yoga Sutra 1.7, there are three ways of gathering correct knowledge, “…there are three ways of gaining correct knowledge (pramana): 1) perception, 2) inference, and 3) testimony or verbal communication from others who have knowledge”.

Swami J goes further to explain, “…you should not believe what you hear, but should seek direct experience… The second part is that of reasoning, whereby you want that experience to be understood in the light of your own inference or reasoning. The third part is that you seek the validation through some respected authority or testimony [scripture]… When you can get these three to converge, meaning that experience, reasoning, and authoritative validation all agree with one another, then you know, and you know that you know…”

Swami J draws a metaphor of Yoga Meditation and mastery of an instrument. A virtuoso knows the technique and theory; but, the also play from the heart.

My teacher will often appear cryptic when I ask a question, recently, when I was perplexed he said, “You’ll find it in the light of Atman”. In other words, I needed to go inside–I am the one I am seeking after all.

Swami Rama described us scientists and encouraged us to “experiment” on ourselves.

The Buddha famously explained, his path was working for him. But, if it doesn’t work for you, don’t do it.

But, how will you know if you don’t go inside–often?

Ripples and Tsunamis

Posted July 17, 2015

Filed under Insights, Musings, Quotes, Simple Tips

I saw the quote above on PDAN Teen. The I rememebred, Ma Tri once described thoughts as ripples on the lake of the mind. She went on further to described emotions as Tsunamis. Then she expounded, “Imagine you could harness the energy of a Tsunami. Imagine if you directed that to whatever your life’s goal is”. It left me speechless. I long to crave self-realization with the same fervor as any other Tsunami which has roared through me. Until then, I’ll ride the waves and learn to surf.

Moving towards Mindfulness

Posted July 16, 2015

Filed under Guests, Insights, Musings, Simple Tips

Rena Kilgannon is our first guest blogger of FGTS. Please contact us if you would like to share lesson, personal experiences, meditations, and poetry from dharmic traditions and mindfulness. Thank you for blessing us Rena.

A balance stone in a zen water

When I was a child, my family suffered a significant tragedy. I was eight years old and trying to adjust to our new normal was difficult. One of the experiences I remember is riding in the family car and finding myself going into a deep state of consciousness. I retreated so far back into my mind that it transported me. The experience was so profound; I remember it fifty years later. I also remember being shaken and frightened by this – I had no name for it.

Those who practice mindfulness and meditation, you know exactly what I’m talking about. For many, the ability to move into a quiet and peaceful place in your mind where you can shut out the noise is a great goal to achieve. Since I began my practice nearly one year ago, I am in the beginning stages of understanding what it takes to get there.

In an article published by HuffingtonPost, Mindfulness Meditation Benefits, there are a number of reasons why you might want to consider incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily life. Here are a few of them:

It lowers stress — literally.
It lets us get to know our true selves.
It could help people with arthritis better handle stress
It changes the brain in a protective way.
It works as the brain’s “volume knob.”
It could help your doctor be better at his/her job.
It makes you a better person.
It could make going through cancer just a little less stressful.
It could help the elderly feel less lonely.
It could make your health care bill a little lower.
It comes in handy during cold season.
It supports your weight-loss goals.
It helps you sleep better.

This practice is new to me as it is for many who have chosen a different path to physical and mental well-being. I was always a runner and reached levels of calmness (runner’s high) through my running routines. In my 30s and 40s, I ran for exercise regularly – from 3-4 mile a few times a week to 10Ks, half-marathons and, eventually full marathons. Like many who run, I ended up with too many injuries and eventually had to give it up.

Then came my 50s when I was diagnosed with a health challenge that forced me into seeking gentler forms of exercise. I tried many: Pilates, tai chi, yoga, strength training, group cycling, and low-impact classes. More injuries sidelined me, but I kept searching.

My search led me to restorative yoga, mindfulness and meditation. I have found this to be instructive, strengthening, and most important, it brings awareness to my practice as a beginner. My yoga and meditation coach, Avril James-Hurt, an experienced exercise physiologist with Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta explains how to begin a practice in this video:

I have already seen health improvements as a result of this practice. Working mindfulness meditation into my life will always be challenging – and I welcome it for it has truly been the start of a journey to life long well-being and peace.

Rena Kilgannon runs Kilgannon Group, LLC, a small business consulting firm. She ran an advertising agency in Atlanta, Georgia for 25 years before selling her firm in 2012. Her book, What’s the worst that could happen™ is available on Amazon.com or at www.renakilgannon.com.

Happy Anninversary From the Gross to the Subtle

Posted July 4, 2015

Filed under Musings

Happy Anniversary From The Gross to the Subtle. We just renewed our contract with WordPress for another year. I have added guided practices, you can register for Ma Tri’s workshop directly under the events tab, and I recorded two classic Yoga meditations which will be available by next week–thanks to my friend Kirk Glass. I am leading 4 sittings a week; plus co-leading the 9 am “unplugged” service at Unity North.

I want to radically transform this into a community blog. I love sharing Yoga Meditation philosophy; but, there are so many of you with tremendous expertise. Message me if you interested in guest blogging, providing guided meditations, advertising workshops, or sharing inspirational philosophy.

Lastly, check out United Intentions. I have just joined this social media platform, it is completely centered on transforming your life by changing your mind–not centered on just “hanging out” on-line. I am going to create a meditation group which I will link to this blog, too.

I promise to finish “How do You Qualify Yoga” series in the next few weeks.

Thank you to our over 1000 followers. We love you!

All Yogic approaches require a commitment to radical self-transformation.

Posted July 1, 2015

Filed under Himalayan Tradition, Insights, Musings

Part 5 of “How do you Qualify Yoga”

While I understand why Georg expounds, Yoga requires a committment to radical self-transformation, I also feel as though it can be stated differently: Yoga requires committment to self-recovery. There is an alchemy to it; but, there is not really anything to transform, you are already who you are seeking. However, our lives, karma, addictions, experiences–whatever you want to call them have veiled the Truth that we are seeking.

About a year ago, I cannot believe this endeavor began a year ago, I wrote a post “Setting it All Down“, in which I shared how my beloved teacher reminded me that the gift of Yoga meditation is setting aside all of the false identities to, hopefully (and with consistency and committment), gain realization of who we truly are.

Sometimes these false identities are so heavy; especially, when life isn’t doing what YOU want, when people aren’t showing up how YOU want, when you realize that in our current incarnation we don’t control– we are part of the karmic wheel– the goal of Yoga being to un-yoke ourselves from this, potentially, never-ending journey.

Yoga is about using every moment in your life to become fully present to what is really going on. To see the only locus of control is your inner environment. It’s not about getting limber on the outside. It’s about limbering up inside.

And, as I mentioned in the posting, “The Practice is Perfect“, you have to do this every day, every minute, every second. And when you slip, you say “Ah, I have something to learn here”.

This has been a time of slipping for me; my life isn’t showing up how I want it to. But, it’s showing up how I, obviously, need it to. Divine consciousness makes no mistakes. So here I go again, maybe one step closer to who I truly am.